Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Tuesday, September 17, 2024. In today’s edition, Francisco Lindor gets good news from his MRI, Ozzie Albies gets news that he could be back soon, and Luis Arraez injured himself in last night’s game. All of that and so much more in today’s Injury Report from Fantrax.
MLB Injury Report
Francisco Lindor – SS New York Mets (back)
Francisco Lindor's MRI came back clean
He says he could miss "3-5 days, or 2-3, depends on how my back reacts" pic.twitter.com/rnphdsFYNq
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 16, 2024
The MRI on Lindor’s back came back clean, and thus a major crisis has been averted. Lindor is aiming to return by the end of the season, and there is some speculation that he could be in five days. As he said in the interview, it all depends on how his back reacts over the next little while. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen, but for now, the team and their fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief.
Starling Marte – OF New York Mets (forearm)
Starling Marte is doing "better"
Carlos Mendoza expects him to be available "at some point" should the Mets need him pic.twitter.com/9ftLHGHyko
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 16, 2024
This is a very vague assessment of Marte, as his return could be anywhere from today or the last day of the season. Unfortunately, more isn’t known at this time. Fantasy owners in redraft would be wise to seek an alternative solution to their outfield problems.
Ozzie Albies – 2B Atlanta Braves (wrist)
Ozzie Albies could begin a rehab assignment tomorrow and join the Braves this weekend. Once he returns, it would make sense to move Merrifield to LF. Thought about 3B, but Urshela's glove provides too much value.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) September 16, 2024
The daily mixed messages continue, as on Monday we found out that Albies could return this season contrary to what was announced over the weekend. While the daily differences are startling, we’ll take this news because it means that Albies is on his way back to Atlanta following a mini-rehab assignment. He was spotted yesterday doing fielding drills on the diamond, suggesting he is more than ready to begin this assignment. All in all, if this happens, it is great news for the braves.
Steven Kwan – OF Cleveland Guardians (back)
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said Steven Kwan (back) is "feeling better, progressing." He'll push it a little harder today. Still not in lineup.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) September 16, 2024
Kwan missed all of the Guardians’ games over the weekend and he was also held out of the lineup on Monday. From the sounds of it, he will avoid the Injured List altogether, but there is no projected timeline for a return. Consider him DTD with the chance of returning today.
Luis Arraez – 2B San Diego Padres (lower body)
Arraez batted for himself in the seventh. He doubled, but hobbled into second, still clearly bothered by… something. Tyler Wade pinch-runs. Arraez is greeted with a standing ovation as he walks off. https://t.co/aRI6qIDFgp
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) September 17, 2024
This is not ideal for a team that is competing for a playoff spot. He will be examined today and the team will surely have some updates before the opening pitch of their next game. He’s had knee problems in the past, and the hope here is that he can avoid the Injured List.
Justin Steele – SP Chicago Cubs (elbow)
Justin Steele continues to progress really well, Counsell said, and the lefty had a light touch-and-feel off the mound today.
Steele remains on track to come off the IL during the homestand to rejoin the rotation. Cubs starter for Wednesday vs. A's is currently TBD.
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) September 16, 2024
Steele continues to get better daily and his return could come as soon as tomorrow. Be prepared for this week.
Mike Trout – OF Los Angeles Angels (knee)
Mike Trout said his knee is feeling good. He’s been cleared to swing the bat and is doing agility drills. Said he’ll be able to have a normal offseason. He’s also open to conversations about moving to a corner OF spot or serving as DH more if it keeps him healthy.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) September 16, 2024
The biggest news here is that Trout projects to have a normal offseason, meaning that he can prepare for next season as he normally would. The fact that he is already swinging the bat and practicing agility speaks volumes about how his knee feels. That being said, the most interesting news here is that he could be switching positions for next year. In doing that, he has less of a risk of injuring himself during the game with less room to cover in the outfield.
Washington Nationals – Team Update
Injury updates:
* CJ Abrams is close to returning to lineup, will be available off bench tonight
* Trevor Williams looking good to come off the IL this weekend in Chicago.— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) September 16, 2024
This is great news on CJ Abrams (shoulder), as his return seems imminent. As for Trevor Williams (shoulder), a return next weekend would likely give him 2-3 chances to show that he is healthy and worthy of the hefty contract he will be looking for as a free agent this offseason.
James McArthur – RP Kansas City Royals (elbow)
RHP James McArthur left tonight's game with right elbow tightness.
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) September 17, 2024
McArthur left the game after two outs in the seventh inning, and there was some chatter that it was when he was covering first base on a ball in play. As of now, the diagnosis is right elbow tightness, and the team will likely offer more details today. It’s not a good situation for a contending team to lose a bullpen piece this late in the season.
Willson Contreras – C (fractured finger)
Willson Contreras (fractured middle finger) underwent medical evaluations today and they determined that he needs two more weeks of healing before resuming baseball drills, manager Oli Marmol said. That effectively ends the catcher’s season, Marmol said.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) September 16, 2024
Contreras will finish the season having played in just 84 games, though both injuries were different fractured body parts and unlucky in nature.